Major League Player Wander Franco Released from Prison After Paying Financial Guarantee
SANTO DOMINGO.- Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco has been released from prison after paying a financial guarantee of two million pesos in cash. The money was deposited in the Agricultural Bank of the Dominican Republic as per the court’s orders.
Franco was accused by the Public Ministry of having sexual and commercial exploitation of a minor under 15 years of age, as well as money laundering. In addition, the victim’s mother, Martha Vanessa Chevalier Almonte, is also accused and has been placed under house arrest with a prohibition from leaving the country.
The charges against Franco include violations of the Code for the System of Protection of the Fundamental Rights of Boys and Girls and Adolescents, as well as the association of criminals as per the Dominican Penal Code. The victim’s mother is also accused of violating laws related to the protection of children and adolescents, as well as money laundering and financing of terrorism.
The release of Franco and the ongoing legal proceedings have caused significant controversy and attention in the Dominican Republic and the Major League Baseball community. The case is ongoing, and further developments are expected in the coming weeks.